Marlene Joyce Tatman, age 84, of North Platte, Nebraska passed away at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte on Sunday, December 29, 2019.
Marlene was born on September 18, 1935 to Frank W. and Edna (Thompson) Bedke at Poole, Nebraska where she grew up. Marlene graduated from Ravenna High School, then went on to teach Elementary School for a short time before getting married.
On December 27, 1953, Marlene was united in marriage to Terrance Jean 'Terry' Tatman in Kearney, Nebraska. The two of them lived in Minden, Nebraska before moving to Kearney & Cozad in Nebraska, and eventually settled in North Platte. Marlene was a stay-at-home mom who raised four children and many friends of their children.
After her older kids were grown, Marlene went to work in the cafeteria at North Platte High School and also worked at Chief Honest Johns for family friends, Marv and Onie Nelson. Once the youngest was out of the house, she worked for McFarland's Greenhouse seasonally, and as a Librarian at Osgood Elementary School.
Marlene was a member of the First Christian Church. She enjoyed bible study, camping with friends and family, sewing and making clothes for her kids and grandkids. She also enjoyed baking and cooking for all the neighborhood kids.
Marlene especially loved gardening and taking care of her kids and Terry, the love of her life. Her favorite movie was 'The Notebook' and she would watch it every time it was on. The staff at the nursing home referred to Marlene and Terry as 'The Notebook Couple', they were truly an original American couple who will be missed by many as they are eternally together.
She is survived by her children, Ronald (Glenda) Tatman of Hayden, Idaho, Linda (Lew) Champ of Sterling, Colorado, Steve (Dana) Tatman of Caldwell, Idaho, and Scott (Suzette) Tatman of North Platte, Nebraska; grandchildren, Boni (Rick) Jackson, Luck (Amber) Tatman, Craig (Hillary) Tatman, Teri Sue (Jared) Hoeksema, Josh (Andrea) Weitzel, Shaye Champ Correll (Geoff, Chelsea (Vincent) Lopez, Mataya Belka, Shayla (Zach) Paulman, Tyler Tatman and Chesney Tatman; 16 great-grandchildren and one great great grandson; her brother, Merlon 'Sam' (Cindy) Bedke of North Platte; brothers-in-law, Larry (Joyce) Tatman of North Platte and Fred (Carol) Tatman of Springdale, Arkansas; sisters-in-law, Sue Tatman of North Platte and Margaret Bedke of Kearney, Nebraska; and many nieces, nephews, and other family.
Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Terry; her parents, Frank and Edna Bedke; sisters Edith Smiejkel, Lois Varley and Phyllis Lux; brothers Erwin and Robert Bedke; and a great-grandson, Jacob.
Cremation was chosen and services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2020 at the First Christian Church, 220 North Vine Street in North Platte. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial.